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Council 13
Connection
Council 13 AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
BASIC EDUCATION CUTS
...hurt our KIDS, our COMMUNITIES, our MEMBERS
Ellen Shutt, Emotional Support Assistant
Lancaster County School District
— see her story on Page 3
State Contract Signing - P3
LUTI 2012 - P4
CLEAR PA Budget Press Conference - P6
Spring 2012
Vol. 41, Issue 1
ISSN: 0190-4957
www.afscme13.org
1-800-5-AFSCME
(1-800-523-7263)
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 DIRECTORY
COUNCIL 13 — David R. Fillman, Executive Director
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
Phone: 717/564-9312; (toll free) 1-800-5-AFSCME (523-7263)
Executive
Director’s
Message
David R. Fillman
Executive Director, AFSCME Council 13
As we go to press...
A Message From Your Executive Director
Gov. Corbett’s budget address held February 7 at the Capitol proposed
another good year for corporations and another bad year for public education,
higher education and Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens. In an example of
déjà vu, corporations are getting a tax break and all of the demands are on
school students, families paying for college and the poor and elderly.
Unfortunately, Gov. Corbett dismissed the painless and logical suggestions
presented by the PA CLEAR Coalition study outlining $2.3 billion in added
revenue and savings (see page 6) and chose a cuts-only approach once again.
So our kids are stuffed into crowded, inadequate classrooms. School districts
are cancelling programs, tutoring and other vital services. The most glaring
example can be seen in Chester Upland School District. The Corbett administration
refused to advance funds forcing the closure of Pennsylvania’s most impoverished
school district. Paychecks stopped, but teachers did not. They continued to teach
without pay and they went to the airwaves to plead their case for their students
and their community. This was politics at its worst and public service at its finest.
So what happens now? Senate hearings of Corbett’s proposed state budget
started February 13. The House began their budget hearings on February 21.
Council 13 representatives are participating in those hearings based on the agencies
they represent. The good news is that we’re making some progress on closing the
Delaware loopholes. An impact tax, although watered down, finally will be imposed
on Marcellus Shale drillers. And for wine and spirits stores ‘privatizing’ appears to be
turning into ‘modernizing’. None of this could have been accomplished without our
presence in those Capitol chambers and your Political and Legislative (PAL)
contributions. But anti-worker bills are a constant threat to our union and our jobs
(see page 5). Attacks on collective bargaining continue to take place in other states
and now as incredible as it seems, an ugly attack on women’s reproductive rights
and attempts to suppress voters’ rights are rising up from the graves of the
turbulent 1960’s. If you didn’t believe it before, believe it now — any right gained
can be taken away. Keep the fight going and be a PAL MVP.
This year’s biennial AFSCME International Convention will be held June 18-22 in Los
Angeles. It seems every year is a historic year for labor and 2012 is no exception.
With Pres. McEntee not seeking another term as president, an election for the
highest office in our union will take place that week. To ensure a fair and united
election process, an AFSCME Election Rules Review Committee held meetings
throughout the country to gather input from members regarding possible
improvements to AFSCME’s officer election process. Council 13 members provided
excellent testimony at the meeting held in Philadelphia on March 3 and several of
their ideas may be adopted, such as candidate debates.
I look forward to joining many of you in L.A. as we move this union forward.
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83 — Dominic Sgro, Director
161 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 16635-8431
Phone: 814/696-0255; (toll free) 1-800-252-3785
DISTRICT COUNCIL 84 — Richard Caponi, Director
116 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412/471-1218; (toll free) 1-800-222-8847
DISTRICT COUNCIL 85 — J. David Henderson, Director
1276 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814/437-7654; (toll free) 1-800-865-9652
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86 — Sharon Sober, Director
250 Commerce Park Drive, New Columbia, PA 17856
Phone: 570/568-1147; (toll free) 1-800-540-9401
DISTRICT COUNCIL 87 — David Antle, Director
McEntee-Keller Labor Center, 1258 O’Neill Hwy., Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone: 570/961-5394; (toll free) 1-800-551-5066
DISTRICT COUNCIL 88 — Tom Tosti, Director
Robert T. Cooper Labor Center, 3031 Walton Road,
Building C, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone: 610/825-4944; (toll free) 1-800-478-4944
DISTRICT COUNCIL 89 — Michael Fox, Director
150 South 43rd Street, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5718
Phone: 717/564-7998; (toll free) 1-800-583-2376
DISTRICT COUNCIL 90 — Mary Schwanger, Director
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
Phone: 717/564-5123
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 MEMBERS’ BENEFITS
MEMBER ONLY BENEFITS
1-888-782-1323 or [email protected]
Call for more information about:
Car Discounts * Car Insurance * Car Rentals * Cell Phones
Computer Deals * Credit Card * Credit Counseling
Education Services * Eldercare Services * Entertainment
Extended Health Care Benefits * Financial Planning * Flower Service
Health Club Discounts * Mortgage Programs * Moving Vans
Pet Services * Scholarships * Theme Parks * Vacation Packages
Legal Services 1-800-631-1233 or 1-888-294-2747
Workers' Comp. Hotline: 1-866-413-2667
HEALTH FUNDS
PEBTF (State Workers)
717-561-4750
1-800-522-7279
AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund
(Non-State Workers)
717-564-9338
1-800-692-7332
PRESCRIPTION PLANS
Medco, Inc. 1-800-899-2674 (State Workers)
Benecard 1-800-692-7332 (Non-State Workers)
www.benecardpbf.com
DENTAL PLANS
Concordia Dental - 1-888-320-3321 (State Workers)
Delta Dental - 1-800-932-0783 (Non-State Workers)
VISION PLANS
NVA / National Vision Administrators
1-800-672-7723
COUNCIL 13 CONNECTION
(ISSN 0190-4957)
Published quarterly Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter by Council 13, the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, 4031 Executive Park
Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
Periodical postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing office.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “Council 13 Connection,” AFSCME Council
13, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
Yours in Unity,
David R. Fillman
Executive Director
AFSCME Council 13
Vol. 41, Issue 1 Spring 2012
Todd Singer, President
David R. Fillman, Executive Director
Jane Beveridge, Secretary
Alan Redding, Treasurer
Patricia Bauer, Editor and
PR/Communications Director
New Frequency – New Format
I
t’s a new year and to meet the ever challenging balance of keeping members informed, keeping costs streamlined,
keeping up with technology and keeping as ‘green’ as possible; the Council 13 Connection will now be published
quarterly rather than bi-monthly (4 issues rather than 6 issues). In addition, quick response (QR) codes will be
included throughout the paper which can be scanned with your smart phone taking you directly to websites pertaining
to the story you’re reading! To “read” the QR code, just download a free QR Reader from your phone’s app store and
simply scan the code. (The code with this article takes your smart phone directly to Council 13’s homepage).
You’ll also notice the pages are a bit larger so that we can continue to fill the Council 13 Connection with as much
news as possible. While we’re taking steps to streamline costs and accommodate members using the latest
technology, we will continue to ensure all of our members are kept informed about important issues for working
families, as well as the outstanding work you do at your job and in your communities.
2
Scan to go directly to
our homepage, or go
to afscme13.org
2011-2015 Master
Agreement Signed
O
n January 27 Council 13 Executive Director David R. Fillman, Sec.
of Administration Kelly Powell Logan and Commonwealth Chief
Negotiator Alfred D’Angelo, Jr. joined with Council 13's Negotiating
Committee and Commonwealth representatives to officially sign off on the
2011-2015 Master Agreement and Master Memorandum.
Sec. Logan told committee members she was impressed with the good
partnership between union and management noting the contract was both
fiscally responsible and fair to employees. She said, “You took the time and
Council 13 Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman and Gov. Corbett’s Secretary of Administration
Kelly Powell Logan.
Negotiating Committee members line up to sign new contract
effort to come up with something that works. Other states are facing huge
challenges and I’m proud of Pennsylvania – and I’m really proud of the effort
and hard work you put forth every day in your jobs.”
The contract maintains benefits and incorporates a 10.75% pay increase for
the life of the contract – all with NO rolling furloughs.
“It was seven months to the day since we began negotiations last year,”
said Fillman. “But we had to be absolutely positive language was exactly
what was voted on by the membership.” Signed drafts will go through a
final proofing process and will then be posted on Council 13’s website
(www.afscme13.org) and sent out to be printed in book format.
Contact Local Presidents or District Council representatives for information
on getting a contract book.
Members At Work
Every Day is a New Day
F
or nearly 11 years 58-year-old Ellen Shutt, Local 1758 Lancaster
School District, has been working as an Emotional Support Assistant at
Burrowes Elementary School. As an assistant she provides one-on-one
tutoring, instructional support and assists with classroom management.
Sister Shutt’s involvement in special education is a very personal one. She
is the sole caretaker for her mentally ill brother who suffers with bi-polar and
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Before coming to work for
the school district she had started her own day care business because no one
would take in special needs kids like her brother. Once word got out,
teachers started calling her to take in kids no one else wanted for before and
after school care. Shutt retired from the day care business after 22 years, but
Ellen Shutt reviews Math problems with Burrowes Elementary students.
teachers soon persuaded her to come on board at the school district.
As an Emotional Support Assistant there’s no such thing as a boring day,
and that’s just the way Shutt likes it. But with more and
teachers don’t have to stop teaching to get a
more funding cuts she sees our public school system
disruptive child under control.
In addition to nearly $900 million in
headed for chaos. There are too many kids to handle
When students lose control they can throw
cuts to basic education last year, Gov.
now, yet more need to be removed from regular
things, run off, scream obscenities, or threaten to
Corbett’s 2012/13 proposed budget
classrooms. “There’s just nowhere to put them. We
hurt themselves or others. She’s had two
reduces Pre-K-12 school and library
have up to 15 kids (3rd to 5th grade) in one classroom –
operations on her hand from a student attack, and a
funding by more than $124 million. For
kids with behavior issues get mixed in with kids with
back injury from another attack. How does she go
mental issues. It’s a mess,” she said. In addition,
the second fiscal year Gov. Corbett
back into that classroom every morning? “Every day
teachers and assistants have to keep an eye on
eliminated funding for Intermediate
is a new day,” she said. “You have to forget the day
medications and an often precarious home life. “Some
Units, Education Assistance programs
before even if they hit you. I understand they don’t
of these kids have been molested, abused, parents are in
and more. In 2012/13 the governor again
want to be the way they are, they were just dealt a
and out of rehab - they come from a home life we
bunch of bad cards in life.”
eliminated funding for the Accountability
couldn’t even imagine,” she said.
But it takes a lot more than just showing up to help
Block Grant meaning school districts will
Funding cuts also mean more out of pocket expenses
these
kids. “I try to make each student feel like
receive $100 million less in 2012/13.
for teachers and aides. Shutt spends her own money for
they’re the most important person in the world. Once
reward items like games and snacks, and even basic
they know you care, the other stuff comes along,” she
school supplies. “We’ve been begging for a smart board
said. It’s rewarding for Shutt to see the difference she can make. Like the
(a projected interactive touch-screen whiteboard) so these kids would feel
down-syndrome boy she worked with in a School to Work Program who
equal. Regular fourth and fifth classrooms have them, but the funds aren’t
now holds two jobs. It doesn’t always work out and the challenges can be
there for us.” A classroom smart board would cost approximately $2,500.
overwhelming, but for Ellen Shutt giving up isn’t an option.
Shutt thinks teachers make all the difference for these kids, but it’s assistants
She worries about more funding cuts that could take away music and
like herself who make it possible for teachers to teach. “We’re often the
art and even end the special needs program. But Sister Shutt takes it one
confidant these kids open up to. We let teachers know what issues they’re
day at a time. And today she wants that smart board for her kids. “If
dealing with medically and at home.” And thanks to assistants like Shutt
somebody could make that happen, I’d love them for life,” she said.
w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g
3
LUTI 2012
C
ouncil 13’s biennial Local Union Training Instructor (LUTI) program took place
February 26 – March 2 in Harrisburg, PA. Under the direction of Council 13
Education Director, Carla Insinga, 26 LUTI Candidates and 9 LUTI Peer
Instructors took part in an intense 6-day “train-the-trainer” seminar.
LUTI’s spent up to 12-hour days in a classroom setting getting briefed on issues and
resources needed to effectively train officers and stewards in their respective District
Councils. Throughout the week, candidates also prepare a “student teaching”
assignment which is presented to their fellow classmates and peer instructors during the
last two days of class.
Council 13 Department Heads and staff presented short dissertations about training
resources available through their various departments. Students also received a notebook
packed with information about the structure of our union, department functions and tons
of resources to aide them in their trainings. Council 13 Exec. Dir. David Fillman told the
group, “You represent what this union is all about. I can see your diversity. I can feel
your energy. And just by being here, I know you care about moving this union forward.”
At the end of the week, all of the candidates were presented with individual
certificates and pins during a graduation ceremony.
“I’m very proud of this hard-working group,” said Insinga. “They’re all my “cool kids” and
I have every confidence in them as they head out to educate and motivate our members.”
“AFSCME has a way of getting a full month’s worth of information into your head in
under a week and make you love every second of it,” said LUTI graduate Randy Wilson,
Local 469 Warren St. Hospital. “But it all starts with you,” he added. “You have to have
that fire in your belly to fight for your members.”
If your Local Union has 10 or more officers/stewards who are interested in having a
member educator provide a training session contact your District Council Director.
Class of 2012:
83-1982 Don Griner
83-2131 Mark Daugherty
83-2772 Pete Yosurack
84-2248 Stephanie Reynolds
84-2266 Jim Mallory
84-2459 Monte Turner
84-324 Barb Williams
85-469 Randy Wilson
85-2902 Lisa Alexander
86-596 Jonathan Tolar
86-1977 Clark Smith
87-1398 Denise Brill
87-2323 Melissa Lippincott
87-1438 Melissa Matoushek
88-1435 James Irwin
88-1439 Jeanette Hill
88-2347 Yvette Rudolph
88-2348 Frank Rittenhouse
89-1485 Kelly Kotchish
89-1981 Christopher Kalbarczyk
89-2915 Beth Edinger
90-521 Sue Weldon
90-972 Stephanie Crummel
90-972 Donna DeRose
90-2536 Mark Donahue
90-2716 Michael Crawford
2012 Peers:
84-2577 David Levine
85-2902 Alicia Craig
85-2902 Howard Thompson
85-2602 Keith Gomez
88-462 Lorna Oswalt
88-2061 Lori Sveda
89-1738 Bill Jones
90-1224 Susie Sprenkle
90-2527 Helen Elliott
Council 13 Vice-President Receives Award
J
Jamaal Husam
4
amaal Husam, recent retiree of Local 2369 State Supervisory District 3 and Council 13 Executive Board Vice-President representing
District Council 86, was recognized by the Milton Fire Company with a Contributing Member Award. Brother Husam received this
award for his contributions to the community and to the fire company.
For the last two years, Husam has hosted an appreciation picnic for the fire company members and their families. He provides and
cooks all the food and plans on keeping up the tradition every year.
A family member of Brother Husam’s experienced a house fire three years ago and this is his way of giving back for the fire
company’s quick response.
Council 13 Connection Spring 2012
2012 AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship
Guidelines and Application
AFSCME Council 13’s Scholarship Program for Members-Only is now accepting
applications for 2012 Scholarship awards. Scholarships are one-time-only
payments which may be applied toward educational expenses, such as tuition,
lodging and books.
SCHOLARSHIPS
AFSCME Council 13’s 2012 Member-Only Scholarship Program will
award the following scholarships:
1. A total of 48 $500 undergraduate scholarships (6 per
District Council).
2. The top 4 of the 48 will be selected to receive an additional $1,000.
3. One additional $500 statewide scholarship for a graduate student.
Thanks
C13
ELIGIBILITY
AFSCME Council 13 members in good standing, their children and
grandchildren (as well as grandchildren of RPEP Members in good
standing) who are full-time students enrolled in an accredited program of higher education are eligible to apply for
AFSCME Council 13 Scholarships. Sponsors must be active members at the time that Scholarship Awards are
processed.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Complete the Application Form below. Please be sure to enter the Social Security Number of the sponsoring
AFSCME or RPEP Member.
2. Attach a copy of the student’s most recent transcript (high school or college).
3. Attach an essay completed by the student (typewritten, double–spaced, not to exceed two pages) responding to
the following question:
“Why do you think so many right-wing politicians and their constituents are attacking public
service unions like never before – and why is it so important to save collective bargaining rights?”
4. Attach 3 character references who are not family members. Include name, address, phone number, and
relationship to student.
5. Mail the completed application form, transcript, essay, and 3 character references so they are received by
June 1, 2012, to:
AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program
4031 Executive Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
SELECTION OF WINNERS
Winners will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of knowledgeable, exemplary individuals. Selections
will be final and binding and are NOT subject to appeal.
2012 AFSCME COUNCIL 13 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
(Please complete and return)
STUDENT INFORMATION:
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________
Daytime telephone number: ______________________________________________________
College: ___________________________________________________________________________
Year which you will be entering (Please Check One):
❑ FRESHMAN ❑ SOPHOMORE ❑ JUNIOR
❑ SENIOR
❑ GRADUATE SCHOOL
At the Capitol COUNCIL 13’S LEGISLATIVE
TRACKING REPORT
L
isted below are some of the bills the
Legislative Department is tracking
at this time. Based on possible
forthcoming amendments, our position on
particular legislation is subject to change.
HB 3
Prime Sponsor:
Geist, DC 83
House Bill 3 is a transportation bill for Public
Private Partnerships. We were successful in
getting some protective amendments in the
bill concerning Collective Bargaining rights
for our members.
AFSCME Position – NEUTRAL
HB 50
Prime Sponsor:
Metcalfe, DC 84
House Bill 50 is a Right-to-Work Bill that
attacks all of labor. This bill will eliminate all
UNIONS, and make Pennsylvania a right-towork state. A public hearing was held August
16, 2011 for the first time in 30 years.
AFSCME Position – OPPOSE
HB 51
Prime Sponsor:
Rapp, DC 85
House Bill 51 eliminates fair share/agency
shop from all school districts. A public
hearing was held August 16, 2011.
AFSCME Position – OPPOSE
HB 52
Prime Sponsor:
Creighten, DC 89
House Bill 52 eliminates fair share/agency
shop from commonwealth employees. A
public hearing was held August 16, 2011.
AFSCME Position – OPPOSE
HB 934
Prime Sponsor:
Metcalfe, DC 84
House Bill 934 is a Voter Identification
Bill that would require all voters to
possess a valid photo identification. The
bill passed the Senate 26-23 and is now in
the House waiting action.
AFSCME Position – OPPOSE
HB 1985
SB 1342
Prime Sponsor:
Fleck, DC 83
Argall, DC 87, DC 88, and DC 89
Senate Bill 1342 and House Bill 1985 will
prohibit the privatization of nurses and
nursing services in our Correctional Facilities.
AFSCME Position – SUPPORT
SPONSOR INFORMATION:
(Must be a member in good standing when the award is made)
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Social Security Number: ___________________________________________________________
Local Union Number: ___ District Council Number: (Circle one) 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Relationship to student: __________________________________________________________
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
❑ Essay (not to exceed two pages, typewritten)
❑ Transcript (high school or college)
HB 2127
Prime Sponsor:
Krieger, DC 83
House Bill 2127 would transfer
background checks to the Federal
Government which would eliminate
AFSCME jobs from the State Police. The
bill was introduced January 17, 2012 and
referred to the Judiciary Committee.
AFSCME Position – OPPOSE
To Join our e-Activist Network, visit
www.afscme13.org, and click on the link
❑ Three character references (not family)
❑ Must be received by June 1, 2012
You can make a Difference!
Join the
AFSCME Council 13
e-Activist Network
w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g
5
Fillman Heads CLEAR Conference
O
n February 2, Council 13 Executive Director and CLEAR Coalition
Chairperson David R. Fillman kicked off a news conference at the
Capitol Rotunda to release an extensive CLEAR study: A Better
Way for PA: Restoring Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Health through Fairness,
Efficiency and Innovation.
The report outlines $2.3 billion in savings, efficiencies and revenues in
bipartisan measures that the legislature and Corbett administration can
implement to close the budget deficit and forestall sweeping budget cuts that
hurt Pennsylvania families. “School districts, students and parents struggling
to pay for college, families with loved ones in nursing homes, fellow citizens
on food stamps – are all paying the price for budget cuts that are just not
necessary. We are here today because our members want the Corbett
administration and lawmakers to step up and make the right choices for this
state,” said Fillman.
“Today is Groundhog Day, and just like the movie the failed draconian
cuts-only policies cannot be repeated over and over again,” said PA AFL-CIO
Council 13 Exec. Dir. and CLEAR Chair David R. Fillman (at podium) and PA AFL-CIO
Pres. Rick Bloomingdale.
Exec. Dir. Fillman answers questions from the press following the news conference.
Pres. Rick Bloomingdale. “Big cuts for working families and big breaks for
corporations continue to increase the disparity between the rich and the poor.
We can take the high road or we can take the low road.”
The 16-page report includes proposals from Republicans and Democrats in
the legislature, from Auditor General Jack Wagner, and from outside experts and
other states. Specific savings included correcting management-staff ratio levels;
reduce contracting out; consolidate prescription drug purchases; implement a
fair oil and gas drilling excise tax; close the Delaware
corporate tax loophole; cut Medicaid fraud and abuse,
reduce prison costs, and more.
The $2.3 billion in savings and revenue is more than
enough to close any budget gap and repair the damage caused
by cuts to education, healthcare and other vital services. To
view the complete report visit CLEAR’s new website at
www.clearforpa.org or scan this code with your smart phone.
Members in the News
T
ina Marie Lynch,
Local 3130, was
featured with
four other women in
Dauphin County’s
Jan./Feb. 2012 issue of
WOMAN newspaper in a
segment called
Caregivers Snapshots.
Sister Lynch who works
as a Reviewer for the
Bureau of Charitable Organizations has also
been working as a Professional Caregiver for
three years. Her client is part of the evergrowing population of older Pennsylvanians
who need help in their daily lives. In the
article Lynch spoke about her love for her
work and her client. “This is not a job to me;
it is a lifestyle that has brought joy and a sense
of greater purpose,” she said.
7
3-year-old Bernadette Sparks, Local 2289
Warminster Township, was featured in a
phillyburbs.com article celebrating her
40 years of service as a Crossing Guard at
Nativity of Our Lord School in Warminster. At
a surprise assembly at the school in her honor,
Sparks received a citation
of appreciation presented
to her by State Rep.
Bernie O’Neill, R-29.
Staff and students alike
shared their stories and
appreciation for Sister
Sparks whose community
service is not restricted for
the school but throughout
the community. She told
attendees she will
continue working at the
school “until my feet can’t
carry me no more.”
B
eth Cooper,
Local 2345 West
Chester
University, was featured
in a Union Plus web
article, “AFSCME
Member’s Dream of
Second Career is on
Track Due to Union Plus
Scholarship”. Sister
Cooper was awarded a
Union Plus scholarship to attend the National
Labor College (NLC) this year. “I want to
complete my degree and help with the union
while helping people,” Cooper said in the
article. She hopes to become a community
service organizer “to help her union get more
involved in the community”. Each year
$25,000 is awarded to eligible students through
the Union Plus NLC Scholarship Program.
NHS Contract Negotiations
O
n March 2 Northwest Human Services (NHS) Negotiating Committee members met
with Council 13 representatives and Exec. Dir. David Fillman to discuss proposals for
upcoming contract negotiations. Proposals are being finalized for upcoming
negotiations with Management scheduled to begin in March. The current NHS contract
expires June 30, 2012.
C13 Exec. Dir. David
Fillman addresses NHS
Negotiating Committee.
6
Council 13 Connection Spring 2012
Negotiating Committee members
discuss worksite concerns with fellow
committee members.
Fillman Honored for Community Service
C
ouncil 13 Executive Director
David R. Fillman was recently
awarded with a Recognition of
Outstanding Contributions to
Community Services by the Central PA
Area Labor Federation (ALF). Other
honorees included Robert Kutz, Jr. IBEW
Local 5 (The Julius Uhlein Award for A
Career of Service to Labor Councils);
and Lancaster United Labor Council,
Pres. Jean Martin (Recognition of Labor
Council of the Year).
District Council 83 Director and
Central PA ALF Chair, Mickey Sgro,
presented Exec. Dir. Fillman with his
award noting that “he has been a pillar
for public employees, serving as the
foundation for Council 13.”
Council 13 members with Council 13 Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman and DC83 Director and Central PA ALF Chair Mickey Sgro.
Web News
FSCME International is now offering free LaborWeb classes,
including evening classes. The AFL-CIO will continue to offer
free daytime classes. Once a Local is signed up for the tool, Local
LaborWeb Administrators will receive e-mail blasts from Council 13 on
upcoming AFSCME classes. Class dates and times
from both AFSCME and AFL-CIO are linked to
www.afscme13.org as we receive them.
LaborWeb is a tool that allows Council 13 Locals to
easily create and maintain professional looking
websites with no technical skills required. To find out
more go to www.afscme13.org and click on the
LaborWeb icon or simply scan this QR code.
A
Council 13 Members
Help AFL-CIO
Community Action
C
ouncil 13 members traveled to Detroit to join over 500 activists
and leaders for the annual AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Holiday Observance and National Conference held January 12-16.
One day of the conference was set aside for attendees to participate in a
day of community action volunteering for community service projects
throughout the city. Council 13 members volunteered their time at
Gleaners Community Food Bank which serves more than 600 partners in
southeastern Michigan and distributes 40 million pounds of food a year
(approximately 80 thousand pounds a day). Their partners include food
pantries, schools, shelters, and soup kitchens to name a few.
Next year’s event will be held in Philadelphia, PA.
Food Bank volunteers with AFL-CIO Exec. Vice-Pres. Arlene Holt Baker (4th from
left). (L-R) Linda Wise L1224 PHEAA; Helen Elliott L2527 L&I clericals; Janie Philips
(retiree); Holt-Baker; Annette Sawyers L2527 L&I; Juan Carter L521 City of Harrisburg
Organizing Victory!
A
s the result of a Joint Request for
Certification between District Council 88
and Council 13’s Organizing Department, an
agreement was reached with Morrisville Borough
(Bucks County) to bring Morrisville Library Assistants
into Council 13, Local 1598, Bucks County.
This will add six new employees to AFSCME
ranks. Congratulations and welcome to the
Council 13 family!
Got E-Mail?
C
ouncil 13 is constantly updating our contact
information for members and we need your help!
Non-State folks can contact Council 13 directly for
address changes at 1-888-782-1323 or [email protected] .
State members must contact their personnel office with address changes so
that monthly updates we receive from the Commonwealth are current.
We are also building an e-mail database which is the easiest, fastest, most
cost-effective way to reach members. All members can contact us directly at
[email protected] to provide a PERSONAL e-mail address. Thank you!
w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g
7
Call, Text and
Tweet for Less!
Union Members
15
%
DISCOUNT
on wireless services
from AT&T
PEBTF Top Rated Provider
Save 15%* on wireless costs
You’ll also be supporting union workers
and their families. AT&T is the only
nationwide unionized wireless carrier
(over 40,000 union represented
employees!)
For
Discount Coupon
Call 1-888-782-1323 or
[email protected]
*Credit approval and new two-year service agreement required. Offer cannot be combined
with any other discounts. The iPad, additional lines for family plans, unlimited plans and Unity
Plans are not eligible. Data services: the Dataplus 200MB plan and data plans on secondary
lines are not discounted. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Offer available to union
members, retired union members, Union Plus credit cardholders.
A
ccording to a recent study The Pennsylvania Public Employee Benefits
Trust Fund (PEBTF) was found to be one of the most cost-efficient
providers of health care in the nation (see graph). The report found that
for every $1.00 the PEBTF spent, it purchased benefits that would have cost the
average Pennsylvania payer $1.20. The fund has managed to contain cost trends
below the national average for the past seven years.
PEBTF administers health care benefits to more than 200,000 Commonwealth
employees, retirees and their dependents.